Wanda Charlene Moore

On April 25, 2011, Wanda Moore went to be with her Lord and Savior. Wanda Charlene was born October 19, 1935, to C.T. and Vertie Harp in Stephenville, Texas. She moved with her family to Eastland, Texas, in 1947 and graduated from Eastland High School in 1954. Wanda married Clovis Moore on September 12, 1954, and they began their life together in Cisco, Texas, with a move to Eastland shortly afterward. Daughter Vicki was born to the couple in 1955. 1957 brought relocation to Jal, New Mexico, where they lived for 19 years. Son Gary was born in 1960 to complete their family unit. Wanda began her college studies and earned both bachelors and masters degrees in education while working and raising her family. She taught school in Jal for six years before moving to Midland.

Wanda's capacity for love, her joy in helping children discover a love of learning, and above all, her patience, made Wanda a cherished and well-loved teacher for multiple generations of Midland students. She taught at Emerson Elementary School in Midland for 29 years and was awarded Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002. That same year she received an award for Excellence in Teaching in elementary school. For the school year 2002-2003, she was honored as Regional Teacher of the Year. She loved her students and they loved her. It was not uncommon for Wanda to be stopped by former students when she was out. "Mrs. Moore! Do you remember me? You taught me in third grade"...or second...or first, whatever the case might have been with that particular student.

As anyone in her family, Crestview Baptist XYZ, KKI Sorority, Fling Ding friends, EPNG Retirees, former EHS Classmates, beauty shop ladies, and countless other friends knew, Wanda was an exceptional cook. Wanda loved to cook--constantly searching for and trying new recipes from her favorite reading materials, cookbooks. She happily shared her finds with friends and family. A few days before she died, she was explaining a new way to make pancakes. Even as her illness progressed to the point Wanda could no longer cook, she was watching for new dishes on TV.

Besides teaching and cooking, her greatest passion was her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Wanda is survived by: her husband Clovis Moore; her daughter Vicki, and son-in-law, Ray Trout, of Carlsbad, New Mexico; her son Gary Moore, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, of Midland; granddaughter Misty Anaya, and her husband Ralph, of Casper, Wyoming; granddaughter Brandy Cooksey, and her husband, Matt, of Orla, Texas; granddaughter Christie Moore, of Midland; granddaughter Stefanie Moore, of Abilene, Texas; and six great grandchildren--Ryan, Kristopher, Karie, and Karsyn Anaya, and Sam and Mattie Cooksey. Wanda is also survived by her sister Sandra Squiers, and brother-in-law Dale, of Eastland, Texas; nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many friends whom she held dear.

Visitation for family and friends is scheduled Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 10:00 am, at Crestview Baptist Church in Midland. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Crestview Baptist Church Building Fund, 301 N. Loop 250 West, Midland, TX 79706 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Service arrangement is under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.